_______, an impessive display of Sikh fearlessness, is a Punjabi martial art performed during Hola Mohalla.

@choudhary.anupama

Malla-Yudha

Gatka

Adithada

Gatka

Gatka is a Punjabi martial art started by the tenth Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh, in 1701 as a gathering of Sikhs for mock battles during their time battling the Mughal Empire. The sports form is played by two opponents wielding wooden sticks called Gatka.

The art form can still be seen during Hola Mohalla, generally celebrated a day after Holi. Instead of throwing coloured powder, one can witness energy fueled mock battles featuring sticks, knives, axes and swords by Gatka Groups. On the occasion of Hola Mohalla, thousands of Nihangs gather at Anandpur, where they perform these mock battles. One can also witness Gatka at Shaheedi Jor Mela in Fatehgarh Sahib.